1Lily Kloof
2Nov 19 / 80.
3
4My dear Katie
5
6You have not yet answered my last; but there is a good opportunity of
7posting; I’ll not let it pass without sending you a line.
8
9It is a bitterly cold evening, the mountains near this white with snow,
10 & every promise of a heavy frost tonight, for which I am very sorry
11as we have been busy making gardens. Have you a flower garden at
12Balmoral? I here have only gone in for vegetables which the good Boers
13seem to like better.
14
15I must not forget to tell you that in February I am going to England,
16to become a nurse in one of the large hospitals I have at last saved
17enough money for the voyage; & my cough is so much better I think I
18need not fear the climate. I can at least try! If it does suit me, I
19shall never return to this country.
20
21The Basuto war is causing much trouble in this part of the country.
22Nearly all the young Boers have had to go to the front; & it is very
23hard just at this busy time of the year for them to have to leave
24their farms. At all events they make a great noise about it. Two men
25from this farm have had to go. I suppose you have read the notices of
26poor Hamilton Hope’s death. I felt it much for he & his wife were
27very good & kind friends to me when I was friendless.
28
29Write soon dear Katie and believe me always
30Your loving sister
31Olive
32